Doi Pui Mong Hill Tribe Village

📍 Location of Doi Pui Mong Hill Tribe Village 🚘 Directions to Doi Pui Mong Hill Tribe Village

About Doi Pui Mong Hill Tribe Village

The journey to the Hmong Hill Tribe Village, located near Chiang Mai, is an adventure in itself. A 30-minute drive through low clouds on a slippery single track forest road sets the tone for the experience. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a collection of wooden huts, with vendors offering a variety of goods. These include coffee, fruits, dried fruits, fruit wines, bags, and clothes, similar to what one might find in the Doi Inthanon Hmong Market.

The village is not without its commercial aspects. There is a small entrance fee to see the waterfall, which some might find underwhelming, and the gardens, while not extraordinary, offer a pleasant walk. For those interested in a bit of fun, there is an option to rent an ethnic costume for a short photo session. Despite the commercialization, glimpses of local village life can still be seen, adding a touch of authenticity to the experience.

The Hmong Hill Tribe people are not indigenous to Thailand; they settled here after escaping troubled times in Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam. They have no written alphabet, and their culture is rich and fascinating. The village provides vital work opportunities for its residents, who sell goods such as colorful clothing, textiles, cute baby clothes, jewelry, tea, and medicinal products.

At the exit of the shopping area, there is a tiny museum, containing mostly photos, and some tools and handmade bells. After exiting the museum, there is an amazing hillside garden with trails running through it. All of the plants seem to have a medicinal use. The jewel in the crown is a very nice little coffee shop perched on the hillside, affording commanding views of the area. The coffee is quite good and the restroom is clean.

The village is about 10km past Wat Doi Suthep and about 5km past the king's palace. The road is potholed and narrow so drive carefully. The village offers a glimpse of how the Hmong once lived in the hills of China, Burma, and Thailand. The museum is basic and there are some examples of old houses to view. The gardens and the view over the misty hills are beautiful. The stalls sell clothes, bags, silk, and trinkets much cheaper than the Chiang Mai night markets.

This is a village of the Hmong people. Some might suggest it's just a 'tourist trap' with all the market stalls, but that's not really true. The daily market is a major part of the Hmong's income, and what's on sale is far better value than the same products at shops in towns/cities. What's more, the income from here goes straight into the villagers' pockets. So by buying here, you're contributing to the community.

In conclusion, the Hmong Hill Tribe Village offers a unique experience for those willing to look beyond the surface. It may not be a traditional village in the strictest sense, but it provides a glimpse into a different way of life, and the opportunity to support a community that relies on tourism for its livelihood. Whether it's worth the visit or not, ultimately depends on what one is looking for.